Retired President Kenyatta visits Raila’s gravesite a day after his burial
Speaking yesterday during the burial ceremony, Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister described retired President Kenyatta as a true friend to her husband during his lifetime.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier today made a quiet visit to the burial site of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a day after the veteran opposition leader was laid to rest at his rural home in Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo as the country marked Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The visit was private, with no official entourage.
Uhuru spent a few moments at the gravesite, paying his respects to a man he once called a close friend and political partner.
Following the visit, the former president held a private meeting with Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother.
Details of their discussion were not made public.
Uhuru and Raila shared a long and complex political history, marked by rivalry and later cooperation.
Speaking yesterday during the burial ceremony, Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister described retired President Kenyatta as a true friend to her husband during his lifetime.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was a true friend to my Raila,” she said.
Odinga and Kenyatta, sons of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and founding President Jomo Kenyatta, spent years on opposing sides of the political divide.
Their rivalry shaped multiple elections, often characterised by high political tension and deep national division.
But on March 9, 2018, the two leaders stunned the country when they publicly shook hands on the steps of Harambee House in Nairobi.
The Handshake marked the beginning of an unprecedented political partnership aimed at national reconciliation.
The alliance birthed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a joint constitutional reform effort promoting inclusivity and national cohesion.
However, the initiative was halted after a series of legal challenges, and in 2021 the High Court and Court of Appeal declared the BBI process unconstitutional, ruling that the President had no authority to initiate constitutional amendments through a popular initiative. In March 2022, the Supreme Court upheld those decisions, effectively quashing the BBI.
Despite facing legal and political challenges, the Handshake reshaped Kenya’s political landscape and ushered in a new era of cooperation between former adversaries.
In the run-up to the 2022 General Election, Kenyatta broke ranks with his then-deputy, William Ruto, and endorsed Odinga as his preferred successor. He campaigned vigorously for Odinga across the country, describing him as a statesman capable of uniting the nation.
Although Odinga ultimately lost the election, Kenyatta continued to stand by him both politically and personally.
Their 2018 handshake marked a turning point in Kenyan politics, signaling a commitment to national unity and reconciliation.
Raila Odinga passed away recently after a short illness.
His funeral was attended by thousands, including local and international dignitaries.
